Science and Beliefs: From Natural Philosophy to Natural Science, 1700-1900

The years between 1700 and 1900 witnessed a fundamental transition in attitudes towards science, as earlier concepts of natural philosophy were replaced with a more modern conception of science. Approaching its subject from a number of cultural angles, the essays in this volume explore the relationship between science and belief during this crucial period and help trace the development of science as an independent field of study that did not look to religion to provide answers to the workings of the universe.

Professor David M. Knight is at the Department of Philosophy at the University of Durham, UK. Matthew D. Eddy is Lecturer in the History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Durham, UK.